To the Overworked Healthcare Workers,

If you step into any doctors’ office, urgent care, or emergency room you will see a healthcare system being pushed to its limits. Long waits and crowded waiting rooms are just the tip of the iceberg. This is both frustrating on the patient side and the healthcare side. Yet behind the scenes are healthcare workers who are being overworked and underappreciated, but they continue to show up.

Between frequent doctors’ appointments and many ER visits, I’ve felt like I have been living in healthcare facilities recently. During these visits I have quietly watched the frustrations. During every appointment or ER visit I have seen at least one patient complain (but most of the time several patients) to the staff about something outside of their control, a wait time, an appointment too far out, etc. And for the most part I’ve seen exhausted healthcare workers smile and politely deal with the frustrated patient.

This letter is for them and all the other healthcare workers right now who are overworked yet continue to show up.

Dear Healthcare Worker,

I see you. I see you showing up for the long days of caring for others in a system being pushed to its limits. I see you patiently listening to the complaints outside of your control. I see you continuing to provide compassionate care even when you are exhausted. I see you finding ways to fit in another patient even though your day is already overscheduled. I know these acts often go unnoticed most days, yet you continue to push through. Thank you for caring for others well despite the system failing you. Thank you for putting up with too many complaints that you have no control over. Thank you for showing up each day. Your care makes a huge difference in the lives of your patients.

Sincerely,

A Chronic Patient